ABOUT RICK

A FIFTH GENERATION FAMILY

As a lifelong resident of Union Township near Hebron and Granville, I’m the fifth generation to operate our family farm, which has evolved from a dairy operation to today as we produce corn and soybeans. My father was born in the home where I live with my wife of 38 years, Newark native Beth Pennington Black. Licking County is a great place to raise a family – just ask our adult sons Brent, Andy and Alex!

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In addition to farming, I have a passion for music. For more than 40 years, I have served as organist and Music Director of Second Presbyterian Church in Newark.

I’ma proud graduate ofLakewood High School andThe Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agriculture. Go Bucks!

DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT

Elected to Lakewood School District Board of Education 1998-2005, including two years (2004 & 2005) as board president. During those years, the current Lakewood High School was constructed and the district buildings were renovated. Participating in activities with students and being a frequent visitor to the district buildings and staff were highlights. In addition, I was involved in successful union negotiations.

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Elected Union Township Trustee in 2009 and 2013, including two years as Board President (2013 & 2014). During my terms, the township purchased property for the Union Township Complex. I spearheaded the decision to construct a new salt storage facility, and provided equipment and labor, reducing the cost to the township. In the fall of 2014, I conducted successful negotiations for five-year contracts with Granville Township and Hebron Village for Fire and EMS services for Union Township.

Received the Republican nomination for County Commissioner in the primary election in 2014, defeating two other candidates. I’m proud to have received so much support from voters and won the general election by more than 7,500 votes.